There are something which i feel potential employers would find unnerving about a candidate sending a resume in any time after 10pm at night. It shrilly squawks "insomniac" or "head-case" or even "nut-job." Due to this I have given myself little choice but to write blogs when I struggle to sleep. Don't get me wrong, i can sleep just fine. It is just usually between 4am and noon. This does no good to anyone.
I realised tonight that it has been one month since the original job offer I received. It was with a dodgy sort of company and the hours were not ideal. In hindsight, all i can think of is the lost income. This next week has to be the week where dreams come true. A slight hindrance is the door-to-door sales aspect of, seemingly, every customer service job in America. I could not sell miracle knives and keep a straight face. Bar and hospitality jobs are an idea but their hours ignore the reason i am here. Why would i work nights and weekends when i am on this adventure, mostly, to be with Laura. Seeing as we are getting on famously, there is no reason to try and avoid her!
Thought i would take the time to give some differences that i have come across. In terms of the music festival, i was so blissfully aware of the lack of dickheads at Coachella. No agro, no sleeve tattoos, very few people there to show off their steroid cycles. This was completely different to what i was used to back home. Be it a bigger appreciation of the actual music, the laid back nature of Californians or that this demographic has not discovered music festivals yet (face it, they have gun shows to contend with...), it was an aspect i enjoyed and reveled in.
Last weekend I discovered a huge cultural difference between the two nations. Particularly amongst their men. I had a few drinks last Friday night and made my way to the men's room. It was small and there were more individual toilet blocks than i was used to and a two (maybe three man) urinal. I calmly found a place and did my thing until an American walked in and saw that this was the only viable option. He must have been desperate as he sort of half giggled and moved past me stating "this is the gay-est pisser ever." This was nothing, i thought. I tried to tell him of the pros of the trough but he would not have a bar of it. I was reminded of a game I went to at Penrith Park once when a friend told me to use a specific bathroom and see the "trough of legends" that went as far as the eye could see. Maybe it is a homophobic thing, a self conscious thing... i won't look into it too much. But it is definitely a thing.
The bar scene in San Jose is interesting. I have been to most venues by now although most people seem to settle on the Wagon Wheel of a Friday night. This has a Peachy feel due to the beer garden but it is much nicer and filled with people of a lot more respectable demeanor. And! They totally encourage the playing of drinking games. Beer pong, flip cup... anything you can think of with a cup and a ping pong ball, they will let you do it!! It makes it so much easier to talk to people and everyone is, mostly, there to enjoy it all and have a good time. Being America, there is an option for a much larger than necessary beer at the bar. Both times i have been here people have bought me a drink and both times it has been the big one. I think it is the "he's an Australian" thing. They probably expect me to either skull it or smash it over someone's head.
Every American man i have encountered in bars asks me the same question - "would i be able to pick up Australian girls if i visited?" It is honestly the only thing they all have in common. I decide to just give a resounding "yes" and state that they have accents, are exotic, interesting and disposable. It is way easier and safer than finding reasons why they would not be able to.
This weekend has a wine tasting festival and party in San Francisco in store which, no doubt, promises to be fun, frenetic and fabulous! Bring it on! Along with a hair cut tomorrow which will surely bring a renewed sense of confidence, self and ability! Plus, i want to look amazing at Lor's graduation ceremony next week!
Friday, 17 May 2013
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
The perfect San Francisco Day!
I was very excited to hang out with my brother in San Francisco. He knows where to go and what to do in every situation. He sent us an email a couple of weeks ago stating he would be there for one day and then gave a comprehensive itinerary of the things we could do but added the disclaimer "unless you want to do something else." It looked incredible and me and Laura had no hesitation in agreeing to his plans.
The morning came and we hit the road the earliest that we have on a weekend since my arrival. The first destination was a bakery named Tartine for brunch. I checked its website and it looked fantastic. We were excited, and about 25 minutes early, so after finding the perfect parking spot (right outside) we joined a long line for Tartine! Knowing my brother, Bernard, I assumed there would be a line. But this line was out of control!! Bernard arrived and we had a good catch up and chat about his work trip and what he had been up to. There was a suggestion of leaving the line and going somewhere else when, as if on cue, the most tantalizing aroma wafted through the air. That settled it, we were staying!
After about forty minutes we got a glimpse of the pastries. We gasped at the lemon meringue cake! After all this wait, we still did not know what to get! I settled with a gougere with Lor & Bernard choosing the croque Monsieur. We all got a morning bun to go with it! Around the corner we found a park with blazing sunshine and gorgeous people lazing on the slope. We decided to join them and gorged on our brunch. It was delicious. I had order envy but Lor was generous enough to share hers. We hit the morning buns and were blown away all over again. Light cinnamon buns with a subtle orange flavor. It was incredible. Instead of giving into our food comas we decided to walk, up hill, towards Haight Street.
We went through the Castro district and past nice looking clothes shops, bars and cafes. Bernard was navigating and we soon found ourselves on top of hilltops and at lookouts enjoying the San Francisco view! At one stage we went through a hole in a wire fence to find a path which kept us headed in the right direction. That part was not on the guide.
Finally we made Haight Street and walked up towards the top of it to the bike rental company. We were given competent enough looking bikes and helmets (which Bernard insisted upon) and rode down to Golden Gate Park. A park like this, so close to the middle of the city, is such a beacon on any city and it was a melting of sporting, cultural and bizarre activities. We stopped briefly to take place in a free Lindy-Hop dance lesson in the park. We did our own thing but it was a lot of fun! Our first stop was the DeYoung museum which had a Dutch exhibition of masterpieces from artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. The most famous being The Girl with the Pearl Earring. It was Mona Lisa-esque for enchantment and allure and incredible to think we had the opportunity to see it!
The crowd were interesting and Bernard and I enjoyed listening to the comments of other people. One man stated that the perspective of the light in a Rembrandt was "off" and a woman began comparing herself to Rembrandt at one stage. Then she got told off for standing too close to the painting. I think some of the painting's shadow was on her nose for the rest of the day!
We rode on after taking in as much as we could, heading towards the ocean along the Great Highway for a local beer at the Beach Chalet! The ride was maybe starting to take some toll and this freshen up was definitely necessary. We continued riding again, back through the park, and past the bisons. This was a bit depressing. We saw two of them and they looked very unhappy. Think the kangaroos that wander around Featherdale Farm - emotionless, lethargic and bored.
Following this we passed a few people on segue's (i wonder why that fad never took off?) and a roller disco thing going on, complete with Grandmaster Flash playing in the background and a guy giving directions. Turns out that this does happen in real life! It definitely pulled a bewildered, giggling crowd!
The next destination was to be the Golden Gate bridge itself. Something i was really looking forward to. The fog had been following us all day but it seemed to be clearing up into the most brilliant, gorgeous day! We had been going on the flat for most of the ride but we found a whole lot of hills as we took the roads and trails towards the bridge. At one stage, we climbed to the top of one of the steepest parts of the ride and then enjoyed the downhill section. IT is easy to get carried away enjoying the downhill parts and not realising how fast you were actually going. I was at the back, with Laura in the middle. I liked keeping an eye on her and also it meant i would not get carried away and take off. Soon, i found myself not overtaking Laura but overtaking cars. I was not pedaling but this long stretch of downhill saw us all picking up a lot of speed. Startled, i eased off and used the breaks carefully which meant i fell further behind. Up ahead i saw Bernard seem to make the same realisation and possibly panic. He may have slammed the breaks and subsequently fishtailed and almost hit the ground very hard. Luckily only a small graze but a reminder of what could potentially happen! He was up straight away insisting he was fine and that we should just keep riding bikes.
There was no whinging or complaining despite the hills and we all enjoyed the ride. Past the coast, up the hills, through cute neighbourhoods and beautiful gardens. At this stage we were on the road with the cars and following street signs accordingly. We saw all of the cars turning a sharp left and almost made the turn too... on instinct Laura said that it did not look right. This would have found us on the bridge itself with the cars. Thank goodness we did not make this turn! Laura said that she had cousins who made that mistake and that t was the most frightening of experiences! It did not take long for the right route to make itself known and we went past the walkers to the bike trail and onto the bridge itself. How exhilarating! It was absolutely thrilling to be riding across the Bridge featured in the opening scene of Full House and the views of the city, coastline and other side were beyond belief!
Plenty of people in lycra zoomed past and lamented the social riders taking pictures or going too slow. It seems that lycra clad cyclists are the same no matter which city you are in. Rather than trek on, uphill to a lookout we turned around and headed back with Fisherman's Wharf being our final destination. By this stage there were a few comments of "I'm over it now" and legs were becoming more and more sore!
We went past an outdoor yoga festival, through the parks, piers and people towards Fisherman's Wharf. We spoke of things that we had done at the beginning of the day and realised it felt like it all happened days ago! It was insane how much we were able to fit into one day. The sister store of the bicycle rental place was found with the help of Bernard and his trusty map and we took pleasure in jumping off and walking around, albeit unnaturally! The hunger indicator had been upgraded from curious, to peckish, to starving in a matter of minutes and we settled on an Italian restaurant just across the road and gorged on as much as we could. Ben & Jerry's followed on the way to a taxi!
Bernard was dropped off and many thanks were tiredly communicated as our exhaustion began to take over our entire bodies. Surely Bernard would now be straight off to bed. He had orchestrated and carried out the most wonderful day in San Francisco. We continued to where we had parked, out the front of the bakery and began to become a bit worried thinking of the fact that we had parked, in one place, for almost ten hours without paying anything! We came across a corner, saw no wheel jack and no parking infringements!! The perfect day continued.
We looked at the bakery, the lack of line, and gave into temptation. That lemon meringue cake had been haunting my daydreams all day!
The drive home was, of course, perfect and easy, as we tried to remember each detail, go over every mile and believe all that we had been able to do in one single day. If you only are given 24 hours in San Francisco, please do this. You will never regret it or forget it.
The morning came and we hit the road the earliest that we have on a weekend since my arrival. The first destination was a bakery named Tartine for brunch. I checked its website and it looked fantastic. We were excited, and about 25 minutes early, so after finding the perfect parking spot (right outside) we joined a long line for Tartine! Knowing my brother, Bernard, I assumed there would be a line. But this line was out of control!! Bernard arrived and we had a good catch up and chat about his work trip and what he had been up to. There was a suggestion of leaving the line and going somewhere else when, as if on cue, the most tantalizing aroma wafted through the air. That settled it, we were staying!
After about forty minutes we got a glimpse of the pastries. We gasped at the lemon meringue cake! After all this wait, we still did not know what to get! I settled with a gougere with Lor & Bernard choosing the croque Monsieur. We all got a morning bun to go with it! Around the corner we found a park with blazing sunshine and gorgeous people lazing on the slope. We decided to join them and gorged on our brunch. It was delicious. I had order envy but Lor was generous enough to share hers. We hit the morning buns and were blown away all over again. Light cinnamon buns with a subtle orange flavor. It was incredible. Instead of giving into our food comas we decided to walk, up hill, towards Haight Street.
We went through the Castro district and past nice looking clothes shops, bars and cafes. Bernard was navigating and we soon found ourselves on top of hilltops and at lookouts enjoying the San Francisco view! At one stage we went through a hole in a wire fence to find a path which kept us headed in the right direction. That part was not on the guide.
Finally we made Haight Street and walked up towards the top of it to the bike rental company. We were given competent enough looking bikes and helmets (which Bernard insisted upon) and rode down to Golden Gate Park. A park like this, so close to the middle of the city, is such a beacon on any city and it was a melting of sporting, cultural and bizarre activities. We stopped briefly to take place in a free Lindy-Hop dance lesson in the park. We did our own thing but it was a lot of fun! Our first stop was the DeYoung museum which had a Dutch exhibition of masterpieces from artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. The most famous being The Girl with the Pearl Earring. It was Mona Lisa-esque for enchantment and allure and incredible to think we had the opportunity to see it!
The crowd were interesting and Bernard and I enjoyed listening to the comments of other people. One man stated that the perspective of the light in a Rembrandt was "off" and a woman began comparing herself to Rembrandt at one stage. Then she got told off for standing too close to the painting. I think some of the painting's shadow was on her nose for the rest of the day!
We rode on after taking in as much as we could, heading towards the ocean along the Great Highway for a local beer at the Beach Chalet! The ride was maybe starting to take some toll and this freshen up was definitely necessary. We continued riding again, back through the park, and past the bisons. This was a bit depressing. We saw two of them and they looked very unhappy. Think the kangaroos that wander around Featherdale Farm - emotionless, lethargic and bored.
Following this we passed a few people on segue's (i wonder why that fad never took off?) and a roller disco thing going on, complete with Grandmaster Flash playing in the background and a guy giving directions. Turns out that this does happen in real life! It definitely pulled a bewildered, giggling crowd!
The next destination was to be the Golden Gate bridge itself. Something i was really looking forward to. The fog had been following us all day but it seemed to be clearing up into the most brilliant, gorgeous day! We had been going on the flat for most of the ride but we found a whole lot of hills as we took the roads and trails towards the bridge. At one stage, we climbed to the top of one of the steepest parts of the ride and then enjoyed the downhill section. IT is easy to get carried away enjoying the downhill parts and not realising how fast you were actually going. I was at the back, with Laura in the middle. I liked keeping an eye on her and also it meant i would not get carried away and take off. Soon, i found myself not overtaking Laura but overtaking cars. I was not pedaling but this long stretch of downhill saw us all picking up a lot of speed. Startled, i eased off and used the breaks carefully which meant i fell further behind. Up ahead i saw Bernard seem to make the same realisation and possibly panic. He may have slammed the breaks and subsequently fishtailed and almost hit the ground very hard. Luckily only a small graze but a reminder of what could potentially happen! He was up straight away insisting he was fine and that we should just keep riding bikes.
There was no whinging or complaining despite the hills and we all enjoyed the ride. Past the coast, up the hills, through cute neighbourhoods and beautiful gardens. At this stage we were on the road with the cars and following street signs accordingly. We saw all of the cars turning a sharp left and almost made the turn too... on instinct Laura said that it did not look right. This would have found us on the bridge itself with the cars. Thank goodness we did not make this turn! Laura said that she had cousins who made that mistake and that t was the most frightening of experiences! It did not take long for the right route to make itself known and we went past the walkers to the bike trail and onto the bridge itself. How exhilarating! It was absolutely thrilling to be riding across the Bridge featured in the opening scene of Full House and the views of the city, coastline and other side were beyond belief!
Plenty of people in lycra zoomed past and lamented the social riders taking pictures or going too slow. It seems that lycra clad cyclists are the same no matter which city you are in. Rather than trek on, uphill to a lookout we turned around and headed back with Fisherman's Wharf being our final destination. By this stage there were a few comments of "I'm over it now" and legs were becoming more and more sore!
We went past an outdoor yoga festival, through the parks, piers and people towards Fisherman's Wharf. We spoke of things that we had done at the beginning of the day and realised it felt like it all happened days ago! It was insane how much we were able to fit into one day. The sister store of the bicycle rental place was found with the help of Bernard and his trusty map and we took pleasure in jumping off and walking around, albeit unnaturally! The hunger indicator had been upgraded from curious, to peckish, to starving in a matter of minutes and we settled on an Italian restaurant just across the road and gorged on as much as we could. Ben & Jerry's followed on the way to a taxi!
Bernard was dropped off and many thanks were tiredly communicated as our exhaustion began to take over our entire bodies. Surely Bernard would now be straight off to bed. He had orchestrated and carried out the most wonderful day in San Francisco. We continued to where we had parked, out the front of the bakery and began to become a bit worried thinking of the fact that we had parked, in one place, for almost ten hours without paying anything! We came across a corner, saw no wheel jack and no parking infringements!! The perfect day continued.
We looked at the bakery, the lack of line, and gave into temptation. That lemon meringue cake had been haunting my daydreams all day!
The drive home was, of course, perfect and easy, as we tried to remember each detail, go over every mile and believe all that we had been able to do in one single day. If you only are given 24 hours in San Francisco, please do this. You will never regret it or forget it.
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Le travail de la boulangerie française la plus courte jamais
Okay, any French linguists out there, i apologise for the obvious google translate (to your eyes). I loved studying french 1A. I had a lot of fun with it. Not so much the learning. Just being there, making a cool friend and pretending i was mastering it. I butchered it. It's hard. But that's not the point here. The point is i scored a seemingly sweet job working at a French bakery!
The first interview was swell. The young man interviewed me and we got along well - had a nice chat. He was starting the business and seemed on top of things, enough, for it to hit the ground running. I got a second interview which was a group situation. American businesses love group interviews. Maybe it has something to do with survivor being in its umpteenth season but next time i might try and knock someone out of the running, literally, so as to outwit, outplay and outdo...or something.
I was not too confident but, after i had given up hope, i was offered a position. I fronted up to training, thinking i was maybe a bit late, to find myself beaten by only one guy. Training started late as they people turned out and worked out what we were doing there. Turns out that the premises was owned by the sandwich shop guys and they used to run a frozen yoghurt business as well. As the aging, Vietnamese couple were getting sick of this constant, incessant work, they asked the son of a friend if he would like to try his skills as an entrepreneur and open a French bakery. There seemed to be a blurred line, right from the word go, as to who exactly ran the show. At the training day, a young chef tried to show us the oven switch to turn on/off should we be asked. The small, aging, Vietnamese premises owner appeared from nowhere and scolded her saying we were not allowed back here, on, what looked like, our side of the building. No soup for you.
No one knew what to do. I felt like i was dealing with the Soup Nazi off Seinfeld and better just follow instruction... do we butter him up with fro-yo? Do we say "forget him!" and do our thing anyway?! Training was interesting. We did not do a lot but learned the ropes and were promised that we would get good guidance throughout the learning process. I believed this. The owner seemed genuine. Even though he was young, he knew his trade and surely would learn the business side of things. I stayed back to have some forms filled out due to my visa requirements and Soup Nazi was back talking about something, moving things around and, essentially, being the Little General. It was unnerving. Naturally, someone tried to cook something in the wrong area, the steam let off the fire alarm and the fire department came. i loved it. was this a Seinfeld episode?
My first shift lacked fireworks. And i like fireworks so that is a bit of a shame. It was a soft opening so we did not expect much business and, i suppose, anything was better than nothing. I continued to learn more things and tried hard. tried to give the impression that i was working hard. that was difficult! i was rostered on for a six hour day but was told to leave after three... i suppose, given that two other people were rostered on and only five people had been served, it made a lot of sense. We even had to turn customers away because we were not stocking the things that they requested that day. I went home feeling a bit unsatisfied but nonetheless happy to be employed. The next shift would pick up!
The following night, tonight, i was out having a quiet beer with Laura and her friends. i intrude, i know it, and she is sweet enough to put up with me. I have no real friends of my own. I call the people at the bank my friends. Laura's friends are welcoming, sweet, outgoing and so wonderful to me. But i still feel as though i am intruding sometimes. Her phone rings, a number we both know to be bakery job. I go to answer and then decide not to... 9:30 on a friday, no way! I get funny feelings and decide to call back.
Anytime someone says "i have some good news and some bad news" there is always a catch to the good news (usually where the bad news comes in) and, when you find out that the shop is changing location and will be in on a one month hiatus, when you are reeallllllly looking forward to that next pay check... yeah the bad news sort of overshadows the good news (then something about having the catch the light rail to the new location...). It was not really what i wanted to hear. Turns out that relations with the Soup Nazi little emperor hit boiling point and, essentially, we are not welcome there anymore. Employment in America, for what i have found, just refuses to be normal in any way, shape or form.
It's not what i wanted to hear but it is what it is. Tomorrow is more important than yesterday so it is now all about finding a better job to replace this one and finding that groove once again. With routine, my life will be back peaking. I will feel better and be happier. It is just up to me to be persistent. Until then, no soup for you. And maybe no beer and treats either.
Monday, 6 May 2013
One month of reflections
I am quickly approaching one month in the United States. This is my longest time away from home not including holidays and the longest time i have been out of work (not including holidays) since my Summer Hiatus of 2012... so in actual fact, the whole not working thing has not been anything toooo new.
I spend a lot of time watching baseball on tv. Trying to work out what is going on and why the players don't seem to try as hard as they could be. Coming from a cricket background, growing up being taught to always give my all and generally trying to put that to practice, I just do not understand some aspects of the game. For example, they wear gloves. A catch is not really a catch if you are wearing a glove. And, basically, if you get within coo-ee of a hit, you should catch it. It is not just a glove. It is a massive glove.
My days are also productive by thinking about things i would not otherwise think about. Things which i have more to do with as a result of myincarceration new life. For example, i feed Robin the cat every now and then (not an animal rights issue, i just mean when Lor does not) and notice that on the packet it states that it has a great taste and is for Adult cats aged 1-6 with an indoor lifestyle. They just all look like pellets to me. I do not envy the job of the person who tastes the pellets to ensure the taste is great (face it, in America if they do not do the research, someone will sue them) or understand the difference between diets for an indoor cat versus that of an outdoor cat. Given my somewhat sedentary lifestyle at the moment, I may consider a pellet diet, at least for a while.
The month has really flown by. It has been a blur of chilli cheese fries, jose cuervo margarita mix and homemade s'mores. That is a dangerous combination. IT is not flammable but may cause burning pockets, severe bloating and buyer's remorse. The margarita mix was a funny one. Turns out you don't need to add tequila to it as it is already included in the recipe! That explains why we got so trashed so quickly!
Searching for a job has become a bit laborious and I have almost accepted that every company that calls me for an interview is a door to door sales position. They try to dupe you in the ad by saying 'customer service' or 'marketing' and sometimes ever 'entry level HR' before coming clean that you will be walking to people's doors (people who own guns), knocking (remember the guns thing) and trying to sell them dodgy products (and they have guns). I received an email asking me to come in for an interview and i responded by asking if there was a sales component to the position. They never emailed back! I do have an interview tomorrow but accepted mainly for the outing. It looks like sales. I am not giving up though. I went to some interviews for a bakery, which was convenient and potentially fun. They never called back though so i have come to the conclusion i do not get hired. To be honest, their loss (as well as mine).
Something i am refusing to do (apart from a sales position) is lose hope or stop smiling. Am having a lot of fun with Laura and trying to repay her faith and love by cleaning the house, making her laugh and making really great mix CDs for her to listen to when she drives to work. Have begun a detox of sorts after a catalyst-ic night of mixed drinks, two burritos and a hazy memory. I like it here and know i will make things work. Perhaps I don't want to leave because it would mean I would have to support the Penrith Panthers again. The irresistible form of the SF Giants and SJ Sharks has a hold of me! I want to be in a winning location!
I spend a lot of time watching baseball on tv. Trying to work out what is going on and why the players don't seem to try as hard as they could be. Coming from a cricket background, growing up being taught to always give my all and generally trying to put that to practice, I just do not understand some aspects of the game. For example, they wear gloves. A catch is not really a catch if you are wearing a glove. And, basically, if you get within coo-ee of a hit, you should catch it. It is not just a glove. It is a massive glove.
My days are also productive by thinking about things i would not otherwise think about. Things which i have more to do with as a result of my
The month has really flown by. It has been a blur of chilli cheese fries, jose cuervo margarita mix and homemade s'mores. That is a dangerous combination. IT is not flammable but may cause burning pockets, severe bloating and buyer's remorse. The margarita mix was a funny one. Turns out you don't need to add tequila to it as it is already included in the recipe! That explains why we got so trashed so quickly!
Searching for a job has become a bit laborious and I have almost accepted that every company that calls me for an interview is a door to door sales position. They try to dupe you in the ad by saying 'customer service' or 'marketing' and sometimes ever 'entry level HR' before coming clean that you will be walking to people's doors (people who own guns), knocking (remember the guns thing) and trying to sell them dodgy products (and they have guns). I received an email asking me to come in for an interview and i responded by asking if there was a sales component to the position. They never emailed back! I do have an interview tomorrow but accepted mainly for the outing. It looks like sales. I am not giving up though. I went to some interviews for a bakery, which was convenient and potentially fun. They never called back though so i have come to the conclusion i do not get hired. To be honest, their loss (as well as mine).
Something i am refusing to do (apart from a sales position) is lose hope or stop smiling. Am having a lot of fun with Laura and trying to repay her faith and love by cleaning the house, making her laugh and making really great mix CDs for her to listen to when she drives to work. Have begun a detox of sorts after a catalyst-ic night of mixed drinks, two burritos and a hazy memory. I like it here and know i will make things work. Perhaps I don't want to leave because it would mean I would have to support the Penrith Panthers again. The irresistible form of the SF Giants and SJ Sharks has a hold of me! I want to be in a winning location!
Saturday, 27 April 2013
"I'm calling about the job posting..."
I had the most promising start to the first job i called about. "Hi, I'm calling about the job posting on craigslist..." I lead in with... "You're hired!" said the lady at the other end "I love your accent."
We organised an interview and i went in only to find a semi-shoddy business lacking the professionalism I desired. It sounded as though i would turn up to business places with a cheesy suit and a cheesier smile and say something along the lines of "have i got a deal for you?" and empty a whole lot of dirt on to their carpet. Provided they agree to buy the vacuum cleaner in my other hand, i would then demonstrate the suction power and efficiency of the device. See that folks? Your carpet is actually cleaner than it was before you the dirt landed there! and that pleasant scent you ask? Lavender! Now isn't that a bonus! Sales is not my thing... I am not into duping people or pressuring them. Especially when money is involved. I was offered a position. I declined. In a roundabout way. Because I have problems giving a flat no.
Another job asked me for an interview. On that same day. I went, suit and tie, to business centre and a small office where an overly friendly, bubbly, attractive secretary welcomed me and i looked around at the fellow candidates. I was definitely the best dressed. The manager walked out and said "i'm so busy. i am an hour behind today and i am just going to get all three of you to come in." Now, as a potential employer, i would never ever say that i was an hour behind as a first impression to someone who would be working for me. It was also very apparent that nobody had ever read our resumes. Nonetheless, in we went and heard all about the role and what we would be doing. The only real questions we were asked were "what is your best quality?" and "when would you be available to start?" I was able to cement a second interview by saying my best quality was my positivity and i could start in two Monday's. Easy enough.
I turned up, to a crowded reception room, around ten minutes early. Some more people arrived and i quickly realised that i was not the only one with a noon interview. Again, though, I was the best dressed.
There were 13 of us and we were escorted to a large room with a lectern at the front. It didn't look like this was going to be a normal interview either. In the phone call we were told to expect 2-2.5 hours and to bring a notebook. Did they have any intention to actually interview anyone?
Evan, the manager i saw initially, made a grand entrance after we were all seated. I chose a spot up the front and wanted to put in a good account for myself. Evan was from New Jersey and sounded like a cross between Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal and, i guess, Pauly D. And, boy, could he talk!
It was an entry level management position and I would be a branch manager for an energy company which is expanding due to deregulation in the state. Evan covered the role, qualities he was looking for, what the deregulation means, the training program and the benefits and contract info. If we were accepted, we would find out later that day and orientation would occur on Monday. Orientation? What more could they possibly tell us?!
We had been told, in jest, to smile, laugh at his jokes etc. Too many people took this way too seriously and i found it nauseating after the two hours that Evan spoke for, non-stop. The girl next to me took ridiculous notes. I could not help but look over at her writing things like "really serious" and "sometimes 15 minutes overtime." She wrote about 726 pages and kept circling things and being loud. I found it funny.
Turned out that 8 people would be hired. 8 out of 13 was really good odds. That was one of the last things he said per schedule. Phew. He even went through the entire contract. Word for word. I thought he was done. No, no. After exhausting everyone except himself he went on to tell a tale of heroism, courage under fire and self-interested egoism. How everyone doubted his abilities to do his job and "look at me now." After two and a half hours he was going to go around the room and ask us some questions. My throat was dry, i was not sure if i could say a word.
Throughout the "interview" process i realised that, seeing as i was not sure whether i would still be in San Jose from August. Thankfully i was first cab off the rank and he asked me if i was able to start on Monday. I said "to be frank, i can't assure my availability from August onwards so it would be best if i eliminated myself from consideration." I then thanked him for the opportunity and walked out of the room. I think i shocked myself.
It was a nice opportunity for the right person but it did seem disorganised. Hopefully i fall into the right job really really soon. Another two weeks of unemployment and i am in serious danger of an alcohol addiction.
We organised an interview and i went in only to find a semi-shoddy business lacking the professionalism I desired. It sounded as though i would turn up to business places with a cheesy suit and a cheesier smile and say something along the lines of "have i got a deal for you?" and empty a whole lot of dirt on to their carpet. Provided they agree to buy the vacuum cleaner in my other hand, i would then demonstrate the suction power and efficiency of the device. See that folks? Your carpet is actually cleaner than it was before you the dirt landed there! and that pleasant scent you ask? Lavender! Now isn't that a bonus! Sales is not my thing... I am not into duping people or pressuring them. Especially when money is involved. I was offered a position. I declined. In a roundabout way. Because I have problems giving a flat no.
Another job asked me for an interview. On that same day. I went, suit and tie, to business centre and a small office where an overly friendly, bubbly, attractive secretary welcomed me and i looked around at the fellow candidates. I was definitely the best dressed. The manager walked out and said "i'm so busy. i am an hour behind today and i am just going to get all three of you to come in." Now, as a potential employer, i would never ever say that i was an hour behind as a first impression to someone who would be working for me. It was also very apparent that nobody had ever read our resumes. Nonetheless, in we went and heard all about the role and what we would be doing. The only real questions we were asked were "what is your best quality?" and "when would you be available to start?" I was able to cement a second interview by saying my best quality was my positivity and i could start in two Monday's. Easy enough.
I turned up, to a crowded reception room, around ten minutes early. Some more people arrived and i quickly realised that i was not the only one with a noon interview. Again, though, I was the best dressed.
There were 13 of us and we were escorted to a large room with a lectern at the front. It didn't look like this was going to be a normal interview either. In the phone call we were told to expect 2-2.5 hours and to bring a notebook. Did they have any intention to actually interview anyone?
Evan, the manager i saw initially, made a grand entrance after we were all seated. I chose a spot up the front and wanted to put in a good account for myself. Evan was from New Jersey and sounded like a cross between Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal and, i guess, Pauly D. And, boy, could he talk!
It was an entry level management position and I would be a branch manager for an energy company which is expanding due to deregulation in the state. Evan covered the role, qualities he was looking for, what the deregulation means, the training program and the benefits and contract info. If we were accepted, we would find out later that day and orientation would occur on Monday. Orientation? What more could they possibly tell us?!
We had been told, in jest, to smile, laugh at his jokes etc. Too many people took this way too seriously and i found it nauseating after the two hours that Evan spoke for, non-stop. The girl next to me took ridiculous notes. I could not help but look over at her writing things like "really serious" and "sometimes 15 minutes overtime." She wrote about 726 pages and kept circling things and being loud. I found it funny.
Turned out that 8 people would be hired. 8 out of 13 was really good odds. That was one of the last things he said per schedule. Phew. He even went through the entire contract. Word for word. I thought he was done. No, no. After exhausting everyone except himself he went on to tell a tale of heroism, courage under fire and self-interested egoism. How everyone doubted his abilities to do his job and "look at me now." After two and a half hours he was going to go around the room and ask us some questions. My throat was dry, i was not sure if i could say a word.
Throughout the "interview" process i realised that, seeing as i was not sure whether i would still be in San Jose from August. Thankfully i was first cab off the rank and he asked me if i was able to start on Monday. I said "to be frank, i can't assure my availability from August onwards so it would be best if i eliminated myself from consideration." I then thanked him for the opportunity and walked out of the room. I think i shocked myself.
It was a nice opportunity for the right person but it did seem disorganised. Hopefully i fall into the right job really really soon. Another two weeks of unemployment and i am in serious danger of an alcohol addiction.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Coachella: Day 2
Day 2 was the day which I was looking forward to the most. As soon as the set times were released I just knew that this was going to be my big day. Sometimes putting things on a pedestal can result in you being disappointed, or finding them hard to reach. however, with the help of friends, old and new and my fabulous girlfriend, I was able to leap over my lofty ambitions for day two and leave a technicolor tail of happiness, drink and good tunes behind me. Day one was wonderful. We ran, skipped, drank and had the best time!
Yesterday I had met one of Laura's cousins and her husband and their mate. They knew music, they knew fun and they knew how to enjoy a music festival - this was all quickly apparent! We had arranged to meet them at a Mexican restaurant at noon. This left enough time for some pre-drinking and leftover pizza so we dressed, drank and discussed what was ahead of us. In the fridge we had ice, tequila, margarita mix, champagne and orange juice. Rather than make tough decisions, I threw them all into a red solo cup. It passed the first test, I could still see.
The restaurant and the company were so much fun! Katie and Brett knew a man who was working at the restaurant and we were very well looked after. Tequila, margaritas and corn chips before we ordered meals. I have some issues. I like words - a lot. Sometimes i can't help but say some of them. I like words how I like my women, they should look good, sound good and have nice shape. Something exotic is an added bonus. Chimichanga. How can I not order this? I just want to say it out loud. And thanks to my buzz, my new friends may have put up with me saying it a lot more than what was reasonable.
The bill arrived with a note simply saying "tip the bar staff" ... This was incredible. I was on such a high, having so much fun and Laura's cousins knew all the right people! Next stop was a service station for on the way beers and one to shot gun once we arrived (photos suggest this, must have slipped my mind). We mixed in the beer gardens and stood back to enjoy the music and experience.
We spent some time in the Red Bull speak-easy (password "dances with bulls") and found a bar. I asked Laura "beer or margarita?" and her response was swift and sexy "BOTH!" The sun was shining, the sky cloudless and the vibe beyond description. We met Amanda and some of Laura's g-town friends and headed for Grizzly Bear. I thought someone offered me water - it was whiskey. I was still so buzzed that it took three swigs to work this out. Grizzly Bear were great. Rolling harmonies, tight music and a fun crowd. The postal service were next with the fun electronica groove and catchy lyrics. A band I never expected to get the chance to see! Franz Ferdinand were a surprise packet. Have they had a song since 2010? Either way, I knew the older stuff and they had so much energy that you had no choice but to jump along! Lastly, but certainly not leastly, were Phoenix. An amazing sound and I was so glad to finally be able to hear lisztomania live!!
We we tired, sore and probably as sober as we had been all day. Grabbing a cab home we discussed our battle wounds. I had a cut on my thumb and rolled my ankle sometime after grizzly bear and Laura had stepped on her wrist adjusting her skirt. That's right. Stepped on her wrist. Long arms and long legs! We arrived at the desert house we were staying at and Laura made a sound. The key was gone. At 1am it is not exactly the best news but we did not panic and emptied her purse. Various miscellaneous objects (a sign saying "let's make out", several Jenga pieces I had supposedly stolen from the speak easy, coachella paraphernalia) but no key...Laura's phone was on its last legs too so we walked, barefoot and dusty, to the front desk to call a locksmith. Julia, the aged, lesbian security guard at the desk was a dear and very helpful. first locksmith wanted nothing to do with us, the second said "good luck" but it looked like we had finally struck gold with number three! 45 minute wait. We laid out on the grass, under the palm trees and stars.
Finally a locksmith in a two seater arrived. I asked if Laura could sit on my lap (we did not fancy walking back), Richard the locksmith was happy enough and Julia popped up from nowhere and quipped "she's done that before!" Zing, Julia, but, seriously where did you come from?!
It took twenty seconds to get in. Locksmiths are underrated. We had two more keys made and $150 later were happily sipping some beers and shooting the odd tequila. We couldn't get rid of Richard. He loved a chat and regaled stories of yesteryear and yesterday. We cooked a pizza and base him farewell and, approaching three, we joked at the massive day had. The fun, the adventure, the (sometimes hazy) memories.
After A random phone call from Richard to make sure we were okay, it was time to try and rest because tomorrow was another Coachella day.
Yesterday I had met one of Laura's cousins and her husband and their mate. They knew music, they knew fun and they knew how to enjoy a music festival - this was all quickly apparent! We had arranged to meet them at a Mexican restaurant at noon. This left enough time for some pre-drinking and leftover pizza so we dressed, drank and discussed what was ahead of us. In the fridge we had ice, tequila, margarita mix, champagne and orange juice. Rather than make tough decisions, I threw them all into a red solo cup. It passed the first test, I could still see.
The restaurant and the company were so much fun! Katie and Brett knew a man who was working at the restaurant and we were very well looked after. Tequila, margaritas and corn chips before we ordered meals. I have some issues. I like words - a lot. Sometimes i can't help but say some of them. I like words how I like my women, they should look good, sound good and have nice shape. Something exotic is an added bonus. Chimichanga. How can I not order this? I just want to say it out loud. And thanks to my buzz, my new friends may have put up with me saying it a lot more than what was reasonable.
The bill arrived with a note simply saying "tip the bar staff" ... This was incredible. I was on such a high, having so much fun and Laura's cousins knew all the right people! Next stop was a service station for on the way beers and one to shot gun once we arrived (photos suggest this, must have slipped my mind). We mixed in the beer gardens and stood back to enjoy the music and experience.
We spent some time in the Red Bull speak-easy (password "dances with bulls") and found a bar. I asked Laura "beer or margarita?" and her response was swift and sexy "BOTH!" The sun was shining, the sky cloudless and the vibe beyond description. We met Amanda and some of Laura's g-town friends and headed for Grizzly Bear. I thought someone offered me water - it was whiskey. I was still so buzzed that it took three swigs to work this out. Grizzly Bear were great. Rolling harmonies, tight music and a fun crowd. The postal service were next with the fun electronica groove and catchy lyrics. A band I never expected to get the chance to see! Franz Ferdinand were a surprise packet. Have they had a song since 2010? Either way, I knew the older stuff and they had so much energy that you had no choice but to jump along! Lastly, but certainly not leastly, were Phoenix. An amazing sound and I was so glad to finally be able to hear lisztomania live!!
We we tired, sore and probably as sober as we had been all day. Grabbing a cab home we discussed our battle wounds. I had a cut on my thumb and rolled my ankle sometime after grizzly bear and Laura had stepped on her wrist adjusting her skirt. That's right. Stepped on her wrist. Long arms and long legs! We arrived at the desert house we were staying at and Laura made a sound. The key was gone. At 1am it is not exactly the best news but we did not panic and emptied her purse. Various miscellaneous objects (a sign saying "let's make out", several Jenga pieces I had supposedly stolen from the speak easy, coachella paraphernalia) but no key...Laura's phone was on its last legs too so we walked, barefoot and dusty, to the front desk to call a locksmith. Julia, the aged, lesbian security guard at the desk was a dear and very helpful. first locksmith wanted nothing to do with us, the second said "good luck" but it looked like we had finally struck gold with number three! 45 minute wait. We laid out on the grass, under the palm trees and stars.
Finally a locksmith in a two seater arrived. I asked if Laura could sit on my lap (we did not fancy walking back), Richard the locksmith was happy enough and Julia popped up from nowhere and quipped "she's done that before!" Zing, Julia, but, seriously where did you come from?!
It took twenty seconds to get in. Locksmiths are underrated. We had two more keys made and $150 later were happily sipping some beers and shooting the odd tequila. We couldn't get rid of Richard. He loved a chat and regaled stories of yesteryear and yesterday. We cooked a pizza and base him farewell and, approaching three, we joked at the massive day had. The fun, the adventure, the (sometimes hazy) memories.
After A random phone call from Richard to make sure we were okay, it was time to try and rest because tomorrow was another Coachella day.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Week 1: Tequila, Tickets & Taqueria
On my first morning in San Jose, Laura took me to her favourite breakfast spot. A charming little place named Bill's. We indulged in crab cake benedict and a mimosa and we happily had our breakfast on a clear, warm California day. We asked for the bill and a lovely lady who had obviously taken a liking to Laura came with the receipt and two tequila shots. "Holy Water" she said. It was before noon but i was in California. It was before noon but i did not want to offend anyone.
It was before noon but we drank them.
It wasn't long before we found ourselves in line at La Vic's. California is legendary for it's Baja food and La Vic's is a San Jose staple. The food and ingredients are simple and fresh but the orange sauce is what you come for. The staff know this and cater towards it. It seems as though the La Vic's staff will do anything they can to ensure that you will eat the sauce, enjoy the sauce and, subsequently, buy extra bottles of the sauce. They even claim it to be vegan. Now i am no nutritionist, nor a child of the earth, but i do not think that this creamy, orange sauce is even the slightest bit vegan.
Ever since my trip was confirmed, Laura has been acquiring tickets to events and fun things to ensure that our lives are adventure filled. The first of these occurred on Friday night when we travelled to San Francisco to see Clairey Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes - some Aussie music to keep me at ease and comfortable in my new surroundings. We joined the line and, naturally, the first person we spoke to was an ex-Melbourne girl with her American husband. We discussed meat pies, music, chicos and, inevitably, vegemite.
Inside we went straight to the bar and Laura had ordered us two beers and two shots of tequila. A moustached man, Lee, made some small talk and we ended up asking him if he would like one too. "I'm from San Diego" he said, which i guessed meant he did! He said he was the partner of the singer of the lead up act and we turned on the charm, hoping backstage access, but we went different ways.
The venue was small, warm and inviting. As it turned out, the acoustics were fabulous and the entire vibe was incredible. I would highly recommend the Rickshaw Stop to anyone who gets to San Francisco. Upon doing some research whilst drinking sangria pre-show, i found that the warm up act was compared to Joanna Newsom... who is upon my favourites chanteuses. The band - Carletta Sue Kay - came up and began to play. A bass, guitar, drums and keys were joined by a man, wearing some kind of custom made mu-mu, wig and make up. This was San Francisco. Any shock by his/her appearance was quickly dispelled when the singing started. My initial reluctance at believing the Newsom comparison was put at ease and the lyricism, sound and tone were intoxicating and captivating!
It was a funny crowd. Me and Laura were probably the youngest but the alternative, mostly older people liked to party and were great company! Laura came back from the bathroom at one stage dancing with a woman, Lily, and Lee from the tequila earlier, kept coming back and talking to us and took photos of us! Coming back from the bar i bought the CDs of the lead up act and spoke to the performer. Lee appeared from nowhere to take pics of "you with my new BFF!" Anyone wanting to look into Carletta Sue Kay would not be disappointed!! Lots of fun, very thoughtful and a great sound!
Clairey Browne came out with her Rackettes in a fusion of blues, soul, flappy dresses and long gloves. They were extraordinarily fantastic and so much fun!! we spent the night dancing, singing and grooving as Clairey belted out her tunes and her Rackettes swayed and twerked to the sound. We did not leave the front of the stage for the entire night and it was one of the most enjoyable nights i can remember!!
With nights like these and more events to come - a San Jose sharks game tomorrow night and Coachella this weekend, the American dream truly seems within reach!
Laura continues to be the sweetest to me and tonight is a big test as i cook for her for the first time ever. In other news, i destroyed Nordstrom rack yesterday, including some Tiger sneakers for $35 and Laura's cat scratched me for the first time earlier today!
It was before noon but we drank them.
It wasn't long before we found ourselves in line at La Vic's. California is legendary for it's Baja food and La Vic's is a San Jose staple. The food and ingredients are simple and fresh but the orange sauce is what you come for. The staff know this and cater towards it. It seems as though the La Vic's staff will do anything they can to ensure that you will eat the sauce, enjoy the sauce and, subsequently, buy extra bottles of the sauce. They even claim it to be vegan. Now i am no nutritionist, nor a child of the earth, but i do not think that this creamy, orange sauce is even the slightest bit vegan.
Ever since my trip was confirmed, Laura has been acquiring tickets to events and fun things to ensure that our lives are adventure filled. The first of these occurred on Friday night when we travelled to San Francisco to see Clairey Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes - some Aussie music to keep me at ease and comfortable in my new surroundings. We joined the line and, naturally, the first person we spoke to was an ex-Melbourne girl with her American husband. We discussed meat pies, music, chicos and, inevitably, vegemite.
Inside we went straight to the bar and Laura had ordered us two beers and two shots of tequila. A moustached man, Lee, made some small talk and we ended up asking him if he would like one too. "I'm from San Diego" he said, which i guessed meant he did! He said he was the partner of the singer of the lead up act and we turned on the charm, hoping backstage access, but we went different ways.
The venue was small, warm and inviting. As it turned out, the acoustics were fabulous and the entire vibe was incredible. I would highly recommend the Rickshaw Stop to anyone who gets to San Francisco. Upon doing some research whilst drinking sangria pre-show, i found that the warm up act was compared to Joanna Newsom... who is upon my favourites chanteuses. The band - Carletta Sue Kay - came up and began to play. A bass, guitar, drums and keys were joined by a man, wearing some kind of custom made mu-mu, wig and make up. This was San Francisco. Any shock by his/her appearance was quickly dispelled when the singing started. My initial reluctance at believing the Newsom comparison was put at ease and the lyricism, sound and tone were intoxicating and captivating!
It was a funny crowd. Me and Laura were probably the youngest but the alternative, mostly older people liked to party and were great company! Laura came back from the bathroom at one stage dancing with a woman, Lily, and Lee from the tequila earlier, kept coming back and talking to us and took photos of us! Coming back from the bar i bought the CDs of the lead up act and spoke to the performer. Lee appeared from nowhere to take pics of "you with my new BFF!" Anyone wanting to look into Carletta Sue Kay would not be disappointed!! Lots of fun, very thoughtful and a great sound!
Clairey Browne came out with her Rackettes in a fusion of blues, soul, flappy dresses and long gloves. They were extraordinarily fantastic and so much fun!! we spent the night dancing, singing and grooving as Clairey belted out her tunes and her Rackettes swayed and twerked to the sound. We did not leave the front of the stage for the entire night and it was one of the most enjoyable nights i can remember!!
With nights like these and more events to come - a San Jose sharks game tomorrow night and Coachella this weekend, the American dream truly seems within reach!
Laura continues to be the sweetest to me and tonight is a big test as i cook for her for the first time ever. In other news, i destroyed Nordstrom rack yesterday, including some Tiger sneakers for $35 and Laura's cat scratched me for the first time earlier today!
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